Businesses say 'save our A-boards'
DOZENS of workers from businesses across the city joined a protest in Old Market Square in a bid to save their A-boards.
Nottingham City Council wants to scrap the advertising boards, saying they pose a risk to visually-impaired people and make street cleaning more difficult.
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OPPOSITION: The shopkeepers protest in Old Market Square and (below) on the march, with A-boards in tow C070709SR3-1
But the proposals have caused outrage among business owners who fear they could lose out on valuable custom if they are not allowed to use the boards.
Workers from more than 30 different businesses turned out for yesterday lunchtime's protest, along with their A-boards, chanting 'Save Our Shops' and waving banners.
Organiser Jasmin Barlow-Wilkinson, owner of Homemade cafe in Pelham Street, said: "We all feel very strongly about the decision that's been taken without consultation. The people here are only a handful of those who feel very unhappy about what's going on."
Businesses in attendance ranged from cafes to boutiques to gyms.
Mark Roper, assistant manager of Shakeaway in the Market Square, said: "By taking away the A-boards they are taking away the character of the city centre."
James Elston, director of Alley Cafe, said: "The boards are really important to us because, unless people already know about us, they would have no way of finding us."
Steven Ingman, manager of Cybergolf in St James' Street, said: "In this current economic downturn the A-boards are pretty much all many small businesses have in the way of advertising. It seems ludicrous for the council's point of view to harm Nottingham businesses."
Chris Hillyer, manager of Formula One gym in Victoria Street, said: "It's our only chance to let people know where we are, or whether we've got offers on, unless we plaster all our buildings with great big signs. Maybe that's what they want us to do?"
Up to 700 firms have had warning letters from the city council's traffic manager.
The letter said the council was adopting "a blanket policy" for the removal of boards.
The authority says it has received complaints about A-boards from the public and disabled people.
Traffic manager Rob James said: "We are trying to reduce clutter in the city and undertake our duties under the Highways Act 1980 to remove illegal obstructions from the public highway."
Under the plans, businesses will be issued with a removal letter and have 14 days to comply before their board is seized by the council.
Marcus McHale, manager of Atlas deli in Pelham Street, said: "We feel like there should have been some dialogue between ratepayers and the council, but there has been none. That's what we are hoping the protest will achieve."
A council spokeswoman said they had no further comments to add after yesterday's protest and that the council's position on A-boards remained the same.
sarah.gillett@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
9 Comments
by Sukie, Far Away Place
Saturday, July 11 2009, 10:01AM
“Jules Baseford you are an idiout
I bet you never go for a walk in the country grow up 3 baords in 20 feet oh my god what next”
by John, nottingham
Wednesday, July 08 2009, 7:38PM
“I just wish the good people of nottingham would stop voting for this useless bunch of control freak labour councillors they are just another branch of Brown`s liars. GET THEM OUT.”
by wurrows, Nottingham
Wednesday, July 08 2009, 7:08PM
“Traffic manager Rob James said: "We are trying to reduce clutter in the city and undertake our duties under the Highways Act 1980 to remove illegal obstructions from the public highway."
A boards are NOT illegal.
More spin, more lies.”
by wurrows, Nottingham
Wednesday, July 08 2009, 7:02PM
“Forget A baords. The sooner this stupid NuLab Collins Crew controlled council get rid of the Stalinist lampost propaganda the better. They should get their own house in order first. I for one find their propganda offensive - not only offensive, but damn lies. I am awaiting to see one of their posters telling us why they invested 42 million in Iceland, and despite all the spin, cr@p and propaganda , WHEN will we get it back? I think they were described as 'disfunctional'' NON functional would be a better description.”
by Jules, Basford
Wednesday, July 08 2009, 5:25PM
“Do you or anyone you know have mobility problems or visual impairment? Those A boards are a nightmare to ppl who are disabled. Not just mobility disabilities but visual impairments too. Also they are a problem to mothers with children in buggies/prams? I walked through the lace market today and there were 3 A boards within 20 feet! They are a hazard and there are too many of them.”
by stalin, russia
Wednesday, July 08 2009, 2:46PM
“if the council is so vociferous in wanting to keep its "pedestrian highways" clear then start by coming to the shops at the bottom of broxtowe lane between 8am-6pm.every shop owner thinks they have a right to block the pavement with their vans/cars and its even worse on a saturday.i thought cars/vans on the pavement was illegal ?”
by Notts Snob, Notts
Wednesday, July 08 2009, 2:03PM
“I couldn't agree more Billy you are spot on. Unfortunately a lot of people in postions of power in local Govenment have never had what most people would class as a normal job. They are career politicans who go from school to collage / university to a cushy public service job. A lot of them have 'worked' as social workers, research assistants, union representatives, teachers, outreach workers etc need I say more. They have no concept of actually having to produce / sell something to make a living and why should they when the mug council tax payer / business rate payer bankrolls their featherbedded exsistence every month. Collins says in the Arrow that Nottm City Council knows times are tough and that they are on your side and then proceeds to remove a form of businesses advertising. The mans a joke leading a joke of a council. People need to ask why Labour have lost hundreds of councillers over the last year or so and have no overall control of any county authority anymore. Labour, the enemy of the small business person.”
by daleabb, nottingham
Wednesday, July 08 2009, 10:24AM
“Tell Collins to take all his "boards" of the posts around the city advertising "liebour" that we the tax payer is paying for, and leave the shop keepers alone”
by philip jackson, nottingham
Wednesday, July 08 2009, 9:11AM
“I really dont understand the councils attitude towards A boards its fine for them they get a cheque every month businessess need to advertise, as for the complaints they claim to have received, when I asked about these they were unable to tell me how many or the nature of the complaints, i wish Cllr alan clark had the respect to come out of hiding and talk to businessess, i know where my vote will be cast next time thanks for nothing nottingham council.”